Batman Returns and McDonald's

"What kinda title is that?", you ask inquisitively, scratching your head in a cartoon like fashion. Y'see, 1992 was a strange time for both Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Several films were hitting theaters: Malcolm X, The Bodyguard, and most importantly.....Lethal Weapon 3 ;)

                       SAY NO TO JOE PESCI. I. DARE. YOU.

Back on track, since Warner had a certified blockbuster hit on their hands with the original "Batman" starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger a mere year prior to "Returns" production, it only made sense that a follow up film would continue the saga of Michael Keaton's rubbery Caped Crusader.

The way the film started was sort of this strange domino effect. Burton didn't want to do another film, but was drawn in by writer Sam Hamm's script. Micheal Keaton hopped on board when he heard Burton was back on, Danny DeVito was urged by his good friend Jack Nicholson to take the role of Penguin (after Jack himself starred as Joker in the last one), and.....Michelle Pfieffer and Christopher Walken were just there? Guess they just wanted in on it.

With the introduction of newcomers Penguin and Catwoman, the hype for this film was massive. People were so into this that Warner Brothers had to constantly supply city bus stations with new posters of Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman, since people kept breaking into the glass cases and stealing them. Pictured below is a fine example:

With the hype surrounding this thing, who better than McDonald's to jump in on this action and get themselves a nice slice of Batman pie? Well, they did, coming out with promotional toys to put in their Happy Meals. These small toys, little miniaturized characters riding around in adorable little race cars themed after them, would soon become the subject of a controversy that would rock the world (mostly on the behalf of the film, but more on that later).

So at this point, McDonald's is kicking back, thinking, "This is pretty great. New Batman film, more Happy Meal toys to cash in on, even more money in our filthy pockets." Move ahead to June 19th, 1992. Batman Returns hits theaters with full force, and everyone came out of it having to reconsider their life choices while simultaneously calling their mothers for comfort.

Adam West this was not, and as a matter of fact, not even the original Burton film. It was dark, violent, displayed disturbing imagery and has sexual undertones laced throughout the whole film. With a Batman that actually killed people, a loose cannon Catwoman on the prowl and a rather disgusting Penguin lurking beneath their feet, this movie had children bawling and adults with stomachs churning.

Naturally, McDonald's was about as furious as a curly redhead clown in a yellow jumpsuit can get, because they just lost out on that sweet promotional money. Yanking the toys from Happy Meals, the debacle between director Tim Burton and McDonald's became the subject of much speculation. In his own words, Burton even quoted in a Yahoo interview,

"I think I upset McDonald's. They asked, 'What's that black stuff coming out of the Penguin's mouth? We can't sell happy meals with that stuff!'"

Burton then went on to explain that the divided reaction to Batman Returns would eventually lead to Warner Brothers looking for a director who didn't intend on scaring the living hell out of everyone. He said,

"It was a weird reaction to Batman Returns, because half the people thought it was lighter than the first film, and half the people thought it was darker. I think the studio just thought it was too weird. They wanted one that was more family or child friendly. In other words, they didn't want me to do another one."

Yes, folks. You can blame McDonald's, in part at least, for the creation of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. In all seriousness, though, it's easy to see both sides. McDonald's wanted something to promote and make money with, which Batman Returns was not. On the other hand, Burton made a film the way he wanted to and didn't compromise his artistic vision for the sake of big business.

As the years went by, the passage of time was good to Batman Returns. What was once a mixed movie that had more negativity surrounding it than anything has since become a staple in Bat-Cinema. Michelle Pfieffer and Danny DeVito are praised for their outstanding performances and actors like Michael Keaton and Christopher Walken certainly didn't phone it in either. Believe it or not, it sits at a healthy 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest of any of the 4 original Batman films.

And McDonald's is still bitter.

The Dragon Ball Z "Dorakeshi Keshi-Gomu" Toys [Quick Collector Guide]

I'm sure if you're a connoisseur of the various toys of the 1980's that you've at least heard of (if not owned) the M.U.S.C.L.E figures, tiny rubber guys that were often traded on the schoolyard like a 5th graders version of a drug deal. These popular little guys are based off of the classic (and underrated) manga/anime series, Kinnikuman, which was the predecessor to the equally popular Ultimate Muscle series that was on 4Kids in the early 2000's.

Did you know that Dragon Ball Z got the same treatment, though? That's right, through the early to mid '90s, Bandai produced several series' of mini rubber figures, called "Dorakeshi Keshi-Gomu", that typically only cost a quarter and came in a variety of colors, ranging from bright primaries to a light tan. To the collector of Dragon Ball Z merch, these are apparently rather hard to come by (as are the other Muscle figures), but are quite rhe goldmine if you manage to find them. While prices vary, these adorable guys are definitely worth a purchase.

Later variations of the series would feature accessories (which I'll show below) and different colored snap-on clothing for different characters (like 18's Western attire or Freeza's armor). Either way, well worth a look, and aren't impossible to get your hands on, as they often come in 20 piece sets. Just be aware that should you choose to seek them, they are very tiny and immobile  (hence the quarter price), but make really cute little display pieces you can use to impress your friends.

Just so you have an idea of what these little guys look like, I'll provide you with some characters:

A yellow variant of 18, wearing her western wear while having her hands on her hips...and a very unimpressed looked on her face.

An angry looking tan colored 17 powers up. Note how his waist shows his upper and lower halves are in two pieces, allowing for at least a little mobility.

Green Piccolo charges his Makankosappo in adorable fashion.

This one is quite interesting for featuring accessories alongside the main figure. As you can see, Imperfect Cell comes with not only a little card, but attachable tail and wings, plus minis of his egg and larval forms.

Tan Perfect Cell stands at the ready, arms folded.

Sources:

http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Cell_(Collectibles)
http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Android_18_(Collectibles)

http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Android_17_(Collectibles)
http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Piccolo_(Collectibles)

In Regards To "The Killing Joke"

[Before we begin: Keep in mind, this story has been officially considered as DC Comics "canon", but also remember that a fan's interpretation and a company's decision are entirely seperate. With that in mind, we will be looking not to prove the theory, but to understand why it's brilliant, and absolutely valid should you choose to believe it.]

Batman: The Killing Joke is considered one of the best comic stories ever told, and perhaps one of the best Batman tales over all, and rightfully so. With it's extremely dark subject matter and masterfully written story, there's no wonder that this story will be remembered for ages.

One of the best things about Killing Joke is the fact that so much of it is left up to interpretation. So many "what-if" situations, and just about everything can symbolize something. Of course, this kind of thing gets fans abuzz and very, very speculative. 

Having come out in 1988, there has been plenty of time and mountains of fan theories about it's ambiguous nature. Some smart, some stupid, and everything in between. Now that some time has passed, and with an animated adaptation of the classic tale set to drop this summer, I'd like to go back and look at which theory I think makes the best sense, despite it being untrue.

Keep in mind, this theory IS NOT original, nor am I trying to prove it. Its been disproven, actually. What I am trying to do is show why its such a brilliant idea, regardless of intent. With that, let's get right to the point and say the action that this whole theory hinges on:

At the end of the story, Batman kills the Joker.

This statement alone might be enough to send fanboys into a massive frenzy and ready to complain, but we're here to look at evidence as to why it is interesting, rather than trying to prove it. With that in mind, I'll be seperating it into four categories, in chronological order:

The Symbolism of Hands:

Hands are undoubtedly a major focus in the panels of the Killing Joke. There are many panels where there are only hands, and sure, we have context as to who's hands they are, but they are shown pretty excessively throughout the comic. Take a look at these:

As you can see, there are whole panels dedicated to showing hands. The ones I'm most interested in looking into is Batman's hands in the very top image, in the lower right hand corner, and then his hands again in the middle panel of the bottom image. I won't discuss it at the moment, but keep these two images in mind as we move on: Batman's hands are very important. 

Batman's Continuous Thoughts on Morbidity 

Anyone who's paid close attention to the Killing Joke know that most of Batman's thoughts and dialogue with other's revolve around the idea that he and the Joker will eventually kill each other. With the Joker impostor, Alfred, and even Joker himself, it seems to be all Batman talk about. Take a look:

This is disconcerting, even for him, as we never him really talk out loud about his or Joker's deaths. Not to say he doesn't have those thoughts, but his intention in this story is to clearly reach out to Joker one last time in the slim hope of rehabilitation. True enough, but he could've just as easily made his point of death once. Why mention it so many times? Because in my opinion, Batman is finally, and seriously, considering the idea of ending the Joker's life, even if he's only doing so subconsciously.

A Means To An End 

Early in the comic, we see the Joker show off a needle he attached to his hand, able to poison and give someone his trademark smile. He does this by using it on the man from whom he purchases the amusement park from. Should this have been the only time we see this weapon, it's purpose and introduction would have been pointless, wouldn't it? But, we do in fact see it again. It occurs during Batman's confrontation with the Clown Prince late in the comic, when Batman kicks it off of Joker's hand.

Little strange that Brian Bolland, the wonderful artist, would go out of his way to show this. Sure, they have to tie up loose ends, but to what effect? To show that Batman has once again disarmed the Joker of his advantage? Maybe, were it not for something that happens very soon afterward: The Joker pulls down Batman's cowl, causing the Dark Knight to take a moment to readjust it. As he does so, watch closely what he does.

You see that? He catches the Joker's knife attack, and....

...looks at his other hand? Sure, interpretation may tell you many things, but thaaaaat looks an awful lot like Batman has just found something. What did he find? The Joker's needle. Why would Batman pick this up, and keep it? It's at this point that he has made a decision. Once their fight is over, he will reach out to Joker one last time, plead for his rehabilitation, and if he should refuse....well, we'll get to that.

What would push Batman to this decision? Think about what has happened up until now: Batman has been dealing with Joker and his despicable crimes for years, each and every one inching him a little closer. On top of that, consider what the Joker has done in this story alone: he's shot and paralyzed Barbara Gordon in front of her father, then did...god only knows what vile things to her.

He then kidnaps and tortures Jim Gordon, dressing him up in bondage gear and taking him on a hellish ride, showing him photos of the horrible, evil things he did to his daughter. Jim and Barbara are two of the closest people to Batman, and he's been there and confided in them for years. 

For the Joker to rip that apart, destroy both of their lives, and for Barbara to break down crying in front of Batman in the hospital, the Dark Knight silently made the decision to himself to either fix this, or end it all. Which brings me to....

That Infamous Ending

After the fight dissapated, Batman reached out yet again. He swore to the Joker that he would be there for him every step of the way, that he would truly, and honestly be there for him on his road to recovery. In a rare moment of total calm and seriousness, The Joker kindly refuses Batman's offer, claiming it's far too late for redemption. He proceeds to tell an absolutely awful joke...at which Batman actually laughs.

The two men stand there, laughing hysterically with each other, as if nothing will ever be funnier. From there, Batman reaches up, and.....? The laughing trails of, then abruptly stops. There is no fading, it's just cut short. So, if you assume Batman finally killed his foe, what did he use?

The needle. The multiple panels of hands, the focus on the needle itself, Batman's even darker thoughts...it was all leading up to this. He reaches up during Joker's moment of weakness, and with a smile, plunges the needle into his foes neck. After years of this, it's finally and truly over.

 Despite DC itself rewriting it's continuity, it's pretty easy to see HOW it could be interpreted as the final chapter in the everlasting struggle between the hero and villain. Someone should do a whole, in-depth report on this!!!

As always, thanks for reading!!